Margaret Mary (O'Connor) Franzen

Margaret Mary (O'Connor) Franzen (Peg) peacefully passed away at her granddaughter's home on 12 Dec 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband Merrill Wylie Franzen; her parents James Richard and Anna Marie O'Conner; sisters Catherine (Vincent Marien) and Alice (Russell Hulings); brother James (Sally Stoke) and Jane's husband, Jerome (Carr) McGarity. She is survived by sister Ellen Jane McGarity, and Franzen children David (Vicki), Gregory (Deborah), Elisabeth (Stephen), Anne Marie (Daniel) and Mark (Joan), 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, O'Connor cousins Kathleen Hagan, Helen Manaras; and many nieces and nephews. Peg was born 05 February 1935 in Culbertson, Montana as the sixth and last child of James and Anna Marie O'Connor (Grant). She lived her childhood years on the O-V O'Connor ranch in the Sioux Pass region of Richland County, Montana, among her 16 cousins and siblings. Her father and three uncles: Charles (Bruge) and Leo (Walt) and Tom (Dit), homesteaded and ranched 2000 acres of Montana. Peg loved her childhood, and spent many happy days helping her dad. She was an accomplished horsewoman, and her horse Turk was her heart and best friend. Peg attended the one-room school (district 83) on the ranch for her primary grades. At the age of 14, she reluctantly left home to board at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, MN, where she later graduated High School in May, 1953. In that Sept, she entered the process to become a Roman Catholic Nun. She was a Novitiate in the sisterhood of St. Joseph of Carondelet as Sister St. Brendan, choosing the name of an Irish monk, patron saint of sailors. During that time, she attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. She taught 5th grade in 1957 at St. Therese School in St. Paul, and later 7th grade at Christ the King Catholic School in MPLS from 1960 until 1964. She was an excellent pianist and vocal artist, and while still in her mid 20's, Peg was appointed the Supervisor of Music for all 54 Catholic elementary schools in Minnesota and North Dakota. In 1970, she earned her Masters in Music Education from the Univ. of Colorado, Boulder. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, and very involved in the church until her last day. In 1972, she supported the Franzen family as they experienced the illness and passing of her friend Betty. She was very close with the family, and two years later, in January of 1974, she petitioned the Holy See of the church in Rome for dispensation from her Holy Vows. Her request was granted, and she received her formal Rescript in March 1974. Margaret Mary O'Connor and Merrill Wylie Franzen were married on 26 July, 1974. They lived happily at the Franzen home in MPLS where they hosted large family gatherings. She was an excellent cook and baker; gaining skills while a chef at Chateau Madeline in summer 1971 and as a parish chef during grad school. Peg had a beautiful garden full of flowers, vegetables and raspberries. If you visited Peg at home, you were often greeted with a fresh slice of buttered bread or a small treat, and left with a tiny bouquet. If you didn't come to her, she could be found delivering treats, flowers, and good cheer to her family, friends, and neighbors in the local area. In Oct, 1980, she took on the role of Assistant Director of Volunteer Services at Fairview Southdale, and four years later, the Director position. She is remembered fondly by many there. Margaret remained in the Franzen home until July 2024, when her health began to fail. In her last months, the true impact of her life could be observed in the near constant stream of visitors who came to hold her hand, sing, and tell stories of how she supported and cheered them. She made so many feel heard, valued, safe, appreciated, and special. Now, safely in the hands of God, her first two things to do are: hug Merrill and jump on Turk to ride like the wind. Margaret's mass will be conducted at 11 AM on 24 January, 2025 at Christ the King, Catholic Church in Minneapolis. A luncheon will follow the service. In the spring, she will be buried at Calvary Cemetery, 753 Front Ave, St Paul in the O'Connor family plot next to sister Catherine.

Tributes

Margaret Mary (O'Connor) Franzen

February 5, 1935 - December 12, 2024

Tributes

Margaret Mary (O'Connor) Franzen

February 5, 1935 - December 12, 2024

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